It's well known that National Geographic has been to the top of Mount Everest and reached the depths of the Mariana Trench, but did you know... a 1957 National Geographic article inspired the creator of the pink plastic lawn flamingo? ...a National Geographic writer on assignment found the source of the Amazon River? ...the world-famous photo of our green-eyed Afghan girl almost never happened?

Join National Geographic archaeologists, adventurers, explorers, and scientists on this thrilling jaunt through more than 125 years of research, discovery, and unforgettable photojournalism. Featuring behind-the-scenes tales and show-stopping imagery, this book captures the heart of the Society's fascinating history, from its earliest days as a scientific club to its growth into one of the world's largest geographic organizations. It's all here, from Jacques Cousteau's pioneering underwater explorations to James Cameron's recent record-breaking descent to the floor of the Mariana Trench, the oceans' deepest point. Countless other explorers and their astounding achievements through the years are documented, including Louis Leakey, Jane Goodall, Spencer Wells, and Sylvia Earle. More than 200 photos, sidebars, and fun facts accompany these amazing stories, pulling you from one adventure to the next.

Mark Collins Jenkins is the former chief historian of the National Geographic Society's archives and has, in all likelihood, read every article ever published by the National Geographic magazine. He is the author of High Adventure, National Geographic 125, Worlds to Explore: Tales of Travel and Adventure, The Book of Marvels, and Vampire Forensics from National Geographic.

“The members of our Society will not be confined to professional geographers, but will include that large number who, like myself, desire to promote special researches by others, and to diffuse the knowledge... so that we may all know more of the world upon which we live.” Gardiner Greene Hubbard

From the top of Mount Everest to the depths of the sea, from the world beneath the microscope to the stars in distant galaxies, the National Geographic Society has reported on “the world and all that is in it” for over a century. More than eight million members and an ever increasing global audience turn to the National Geographic Society’s magazines, books, television channel, educational products, and website to increase their understanding of earth, sea, and sky and to spark their sense of wonder.

The seed for this global audience was planted in Washington, D.C., on January 13, 1888. A group of 33 of the city’s scientific and intellectual leaders met at the Cosmos Club on that chilly night to consider “the advisability of organizing a society for the increase and diffusion of geographical knowledge.”

They were energetic men with widely ranging professions as geologists, geographers, meteorologists, cartographers, bankers, lawyers, naturalists, soldiers, and sailors. What they had in common was the desire to promote scientific study and make the results available to the public. Many were in their 20s and 30s and actively pursuing careers that took them to places far removed from the smoky, high-ceilinged Cosmos Club. They wandered far and wide in the pursuit of science, but each autumn they returned to Washington from fieldwork posts in the deserts of the West, the forests of Alaska, or far out on the oceans. Washington, D.C., was home to most of the federal government’s leading scientific bureaus: the U.S. Geological Survey, the Coast and Geodetic Survey, the Navy Hydrographic Office, and the Smithsonian Institution, to name a few. In such places they analyzed their data, wrote up their results, and sought funding for another season in the field. They helped transform wintertime Washington into a vibrant city of intellectual activity.

The founders certainly embodied the spirit of adventure and discovery that has come to be associated with the National Geographic Society. Among their ranks was John Wesley Powell, famous for his pioneering exploration of the Grand Canyon, and Adolphus W. Greely, chief signal officer of the U.S. Army and a noted polar explorer who in 1881 had led an expedition to Canada’s Lady Franklin Bay. Though one of his men achieved a new “farthest north” mark, Greely’s expedition ended tragically just 5 of 25 men survived being marooned for three years without being resupplied, and Greely himself was rescued within hours of certain death. Grove Karl Gilbert, the nation’s leading geologist, was also at the Cosmos Club meeting, as was Henry Gannett, a distinguished cartographer. George Kennan, a former telegraph operator and Russian explorer, had spent years living in Siberia and wrote a book about the experience. Kennan was the lone representative of a profession, journalism, that likely most of the others thought would be of little relevance in the new organization’s future.

Two weeks after the first meeting at the Cosmos Club, the founders elected lawyer and financier Gardiner Greene Hubbard the first President of the fledgling Society. Although not a scientist himself, Hubbard had a keen interest in science and was a staunch supporter of scientific research; most notably, he financed and promoted the experiments of his son-in-law, Alexander Graham Bell, a teacher of the deaf who had invented the telephone in 1875.

In his introductory speech, Hubbard emphasized his lack of scientific training, declaring, “by my election, you notify the public that the members of our Society will not be confined to professional geographers, but will include that large number who, like myself, desire to promote special researches by others, and to diffuse the knowledge so gained, among men, so that we may all know more of the world upon which we live.”

As the new Society set these lofty goals, the United States was about to enter a great era of innovation and discovery. In 1888 Thomas Edison invented the kinetoscope, a prototype for motion pictures, and George Eastman perfected the box camera and black-and-white roll film. Automobiles and airplanes would soon become new means of transportation, and telegraphs and telephones were beginning to change the way people communicated.

Though much of the world remained to be explored, scientists were amassing knowledge on a tremendous scale. An enormous amount of energy and optimism was afoot, as was the passionate belief that science had the power to correct many of the social and economic defects of a society entering the modern era.

The new National Geographic Society would be a force in this scientific evangelism. Many scientific associations of the period shared this vision. What would set the National Geographic Society apart would be its century-long appeal to the explorer in all of us. That has allowed it to become what it is today: one of the largest scientific and educational associations on the globe, providing a window on the wonders of the world and influencing the lives of millions.

Other Products Related to On Assignment With National Geographic

Roam the world through the pages of National Geographic magazine, now available in an enhanced digital edition. Explore the diversity of our planet's lands and inhabitants in compelling stories covering topics such as animals, nature, science, technology, culture, history, travel, adventure, exploration, and geography.

You are invited to roam the world in the pages of National Geographic magazine. Explore the diversity of our planet's lands and inhabitants in compelling stories covering topics such as animals, nature, science, technology, culture, history, travel, adventure, exploration, and geography. The monthly National Geographic magazine is your key benefit of membership. Join the Society and bring the adventure of National Geographic into your home! For additional membership benefits see "Member Benefits" tab.

12 issues

Please allow 4-6 weeks for the delivery of the first issue within the U.S. and Canada.

Explore the ocean depths, the historical past and far out galaxies with National Geographic's new high-definition collection. The five-disc Blu-ray set showcases four best-selling films from the large screen, including Sea Monsters, Forces of Nature, Journey to Mecca and Lewis & Clark plus the compelling and visually-dynamic TV special, Inside the Milky Way..

This National Geographic Special Issue will transport you back in time to witness the glory and demise of the Maya, an ancient and complex civilization. Unlock the secrets of Maya writing, relive religious rituals, watch deadly sporting events, and marvel at Maya architecture and engineering. Spanning the Pre-Classic (500 BC to 250 AD), Classic (250 AD to 900 AD), and Post Classic (900AD to 1,500 AD) eras, Mysteries of the Maya is full of essays and sidebars on topics like the Mayan book of creation, the Mayan alphabet, and Mayan warfare.

This National Geographic special issue starts with the geography of the Holy Land itself, including modern-day Israel and Lebanon, parts of Jordan, Syria, and northeast Egypt. By looking at the rise of early cities, like Jericho and Ugarit, we see the combination of commerce, culture, and politics that shaped early regional civilizations. Then the issue moves into the three faiths that intersect in Jerusalem.

Who made Stonehenge and how? What lies beneath the lost city of Petra? What brought an end to Mayan civilization? How did Utah's celebrated arches form? This revealing special issue from National Geographic demystifies science, physics, and engineering and examines the cultural forces that created the most mysterious natural and manmade wonders of the world. Filled with vivid illustrations and intriguing anecdotes, 100 Great World Mysteries Solved peels back the layers of time to illuminate some of the most coveted secrets of all time.

Experience incredible adventures, unforgettable stories, and amazing explorations like never before with this five-disc collection of National Geographic giant-screen movies, now available together for the first time. Witness the awesome power and destructive forces of volcanoes, earthquakes, and deadly tornadoes and meet scientists who risk their lives exploring natural disasters in Forces of Nature. Travel back to the age of the dinosaurs as Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure and Flying Monsters bring to life the most fascinating creatures to ever rule Earth’s seas and skies. Relive one of the greatest tales of adventure and exploration in history in the epic story Lewis & Clark: Great Journey West. And finally, explore the most powerful and mysterious weather phenomena of outer space in The Wildest Weather in the Solar System.

Roam the world through the pages of National Geographic magazine, now available in an all-access subscription that includes home delivery of the print edition along with access to the enhanced digital edition. Explore the diversity of our planet's lands and inhabitants in compelling stories covering topics such as animals, nature, science, technology, culture, history, travel, adventure, exploration, and geography.

Browse every issue of National Geographic magazine from 1888 through 2013more than 1,400 issues, 8,000 articles, 200,000 photographs, and hundreds of maps exactly as they appeared in print. Our definitive collection of every issue of National Geographic magazine through 2013 is digitally reproduced in high resolution. Use the visual interface to explore a topic, find photographs, browse the globe, or wander on your own expedition. Requires Windows® 7/Vista/XP/2000 or Mac® OS X v10.4 or later. Internet access required for some features. External display recommended with MacBook Pro Retina systems.